charlie wear "I hadn't been to church in a long time, but [since September 11] Starbucks and Yoga just aren't enough anymore..." A young woman quoted by Tim Russert, Meet the Press, December 23, 2001
Just two months downstream from the day the world changed, America is mourning, but mobilized. Bill Hybels quotes Franklin Graham as saying "Bill, the American people are more open to God than ever." Country singers and inspirational writers are penning songs and stories. It is reported in USA Today that Bible sales are up significantly since September 11. We all know that churches were filled in the days following the tragedy....in the midst of all that is happening, we can only ask ourselves, "What is God doing?"

 

In Alan Jackson's "Where were you when the world stopped turning" he remembers the place that God and faith, hope and love should play in our lives. Oasis Audio has released a series of tapes entitled America responds. Bill Hybels responds to the sight of Ground Zero saying "No way. No way. At Ground Zero, for 30 minutes, the only two words I could muster were "No Way." He cites Psalm 56 where the writer says, "God collects every human tear."

Christian authors, Charles Swindoll and Max Lucado have both written small books in response to the September 11 tragedy, available in local Christian bookstores. Rock composer, Neil Young has recorded "Let's Roll" recollecting the actions of the passengers of Flight 93. Todd Beamer, one of those passengers had a conversation with a GTE operator, Lisa Jefferson, in which he recited the Lord's Prayer and sent his love to his family. The operator says, that in light of everything that was about to happen, she was sure that Todd was heading to the "right place" As Christians, we can't help but be encouraged by the spiritual softening we can sense in the hearts of our fellow Americans.
Where were you when the world stopped turnin' on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children; Or working on some stage in L.A.?

Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Rising against that blue sky?

Did you shout out in anger in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children that lost their dear loved ones?

Did you pray for the ones who don't know?

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble and sob for the ones left below?

Did you burst out in pride for the red white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer?
And look at yourself for what really matters?

(Chorus)

I'm just a singer of simple songs;
I'm not a real political man


I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you
the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, Hope and Love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is Love....

By Alan Jackson

©2001 EMI Music / Tri_Angels Music (ASCAP)

In the spirit of this season, let's hope that love can be our focus in the midst of our current circumstances...

For a parable I wrote and revised for the Christmas season, click here.